Tuesday, October 28, 2008

As we entered Jackson Hole after leaving the Park we noticed a number of places where western art was on display. Jackson is obviously a tourist attraction in a major way.

These two pieces caught our eye and we include them as representative of the art inspired by the Grand Teton mountain range, its great variety of wildlife and the native Americans who resided here long before the white man.

Another view of the Teton range, taken from US 26 as we drove through the Park towards Jackson, Wyoming, our destination for the night.

The Tetons are young when compared with most of the other parts of the Rocky Mountain range. Geologists say they emerged through gigantic upheaval in the earth's surface some 9 million years ago. Massive ice glaciers during the most recent ice age helped to carve the peaks and crevices over many thousands of years. There are permenant glaciers on the Grand Teton peak shown here.

Linda noticed mist gathered between the peaks and we surmised that it must be wind blown snow swept up between these jagged, towering pillers of rock. What a sight!

The major peak on this Teton range is the Grand Teton, rising to an altitude of 13, 770 feet. The Snake River winds through the valley on the east side of the mountains.

The creation of the Grand Teton National Park preserves this wonder of nature for ourselves and our posterity to enjoy. Wild game roam free here, including deer, bear, elk, antelope, moose, buffalo, wolves, the bald eagle and mountain lion to name a few.

As we gained elevation, crossing the Continental Divide and drew nearer to the Grand Teton National Park the terrain changed dramatically. We began to see the majestic peaks of the Teton mountain range off to the south and west. Each mile brought a differing and facinating view. We stopped at all the scenic overlooks as we entered the Park and continued south toward Jackson, taking picture after picture.

As you can see the day was bright and clear, and although we were at well over 9,000 feet the temperatures were in the 60s as the day wore on. It was a beautiful day!